The Only Star Of My Sky 💫

when life was filled with dreams

A seven-year-old with mischief twinkling in his eyes hide behind a bush.

Dunk's POV

"Dunk, I really think this is a bad idea," Pond whispered anxiously. "The house owner is an old, cranky man with a vicious dog."

"Don't worry, Pond," I reassured him with a grin. "With me around, we've got nothing to fear. Stealing oranges is an adventure that makes them taste even sweeter. Ready for the mission?"

Pond looked into my eyes and nodded, gaining confidence.

We crept up to the tree and began plucking oranges. Just as we were about to leave, we heard a child's crying.

"Pond, go ahead. I'll catch up with you soon," I said, moving towards the sound. I found a boy a little younger than me, crying on the ground. He had fallen, and the dog was closing in. Without hesitation, I threw an orange at the dog's head and grabbed the boy's hand, pulling him to safety.

We ran, breathless, until we were out of danger. "Hey, are you okay? Are you new around here? I've never seen you before. Want some sweet oranges?" I offered with a smile.

"Yes, I'm new here," he replied, his voice trembling.

"You're bleeding! Sit down-I'll get some water to clean your wound and find some antiseptic,It helps with healing," I said, quickly retrieving the supplies.

I cleaned his wound and tried to comfort him. "Don't worry; I have some magical powers. Your wound will heal fast, and you'll be stronger like me. Where do you live? I can carry you there."

His innocent brown eyes, flecked with gold, shone brightly with the sunlight filtering through them. I had never seen such beautiful eyes.

Before I could ask his name, he suddenly spotted someone and ran towards them.

I realized I was late getting home; it was almost sunset, and my father would be back soon. I hurried, but suddenly, a strong hand grabbed my neck.

"Got you, little thief! You're the one who's always stealing my oranges and now you've made my precious Poko cry?" The old man's glare was fierce as he tightened his grip.

This was not a good day. I was dragged to my house, where my father stood at the door, having just returned from work. Fear overwhelmed me as I faced my father's enraged eyes, which I had never seen before.

The old man complained bitterly and stormed off. My father's eyes were bloodshot, his anger palpable. Before I could fully grasp what was happening, sharp pain erupted in my cheeks. Tears streamed down my face.

"Don't you dare cry, Dunk Natachai! Boys don't cry. If you don't stop, I'll make sure you forget how to cry," he roared.

"Don't I provide enough fruit for you? If you wanted to eat, you should have told me. When did my only son become a thief? Do you have any idea how humiliated I am because of these damned fruit? I have respect in this village, and it's your job to make me proud, not embarrass me," he shouted, throwing the oranges at me.

"Calm down, he's just a kid," my mother tried to intervene.

"Isn't it your responsibility to watch over him when I'm not home? You don't even know where he goes or what he does," my father's voice echoed.

"And you-go to your room and start studying. I better not hear any more complaints about your mischief."

I retreated to my room, tears flowing freely. My father loved me deeply, but this was the angriest I had ever seen him. "Why can't boys cry? Boys feel pain just like everyone else. Crying doesn't make me weak; it's just a way to show I'm hurt. Dad doesn't understand that."

I was grounded for two weeks and allowed outside only after my vacation ended.

Finally free, I eagerly returned to school. "School, your hero has arrived! Did you miss me?" I exclaimed as I hopped on my bicycle and rode to the school gate.

"Puen!" I heard my name and turned to see Pond calling out to me.

"Oh, did you miss me so much, Pond? It's only been two weeks. I must be pretty amazing for everyone to miss me so much," I teased.

"Stop being dramatic. Where have you been? I thought that dog had eaten you," Pond grinned.

"You forget who I am. I'm the great Dunk Natachai. I've been through so much, you wouldn't believe it. I saved a boy from that vicious dog and got caught by the old Dracula who complained to my father. And here I am, surviving all those punishments and still on my mission," I bragged.

"Wow, what an adventure. Let's go to class before we end up on another one," Pond said, dragging me toward the classroom.

Two years later, my younger brother, Net, was born. As he grew, my father grew distant from me. I was a disappointment-average in studies and extracurricular activities, while Net excelled in everything. My father adored him and began resenting me.

As time passed, my father's behavior became increasingly abusive. The verbal abuse became so routine that I began to accept it as normal. My self-confidence dwindled, affecting my studies. Hearing that I was a loser every day made me start to believe it.

Home felt like a prison, and school became my refuge. With my best friend Pond, I could be myself and find confidence. But Pond eventually left for Bangkok due to his father's job transfer.

I was glad for Pond's new beginning, but I felt suffocated by the thought of facing everything alone.